Highland Lakes Dam
Key Takeaway
Highland Lakes Dam is classified as high hazard in New Jersey. It was completed in 1937 and is 89 years old. Its primary use is recreation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.
Physical Details
| Dam Height | 22 ft (taller than 79.5% in NJ) |
| Dam Length | 850 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Normal Storage | 1.9K acre-ft |
| Surface Area | 325 acres |
| Drainage Area | 2 sq mi |
| Max Discharge | 1,404 cfs |
| Year Completed | 1937 (89 years old) |
| NID ID | NJ00033 |
Safety Information
Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.
Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?
Ownership
Highland Lakes Country Club and Community Assoc.
Private
Nearby Dams
Upper Highland Lake Dam
Sussex, NJ
High Hazard 18 ftEast Highland Lake Dam
Sussex, NJ
Significant Hazard 15 ftLake Wanda Dam
Sussex, NJ
Low Hazard 7 ftUpper West Highland Lake Dam
Sussex, NJ
High Hazard 13 ftUpper East Highland Lake Dam
Sussex, NJ
Significant Hazard 15 ftSouth Barry Lake Dike
Sussex, NJ
Significant Hazard 6 ftHidden Valley Lake Dam
Sussex, NJ
High Hazard 10 ftBarry Lakes #1 Dam
Sussex, NJ
Low Hazard 8 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Highland Lakes Dam?
Highland Lakes Dam is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.
Who owns and operates Highland Lakes Dam?
Highland Lakes Dam is owned by Highland Lakes Country Club and Community Assoc. (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Highland Lakes Dam built?
Highland Lakes Dam was completed in 1937, making it 89 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.
What is the primary purpose of Highland Lakes Dam?
Highland Lakes Dam serves the following purposes: Recreation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.
How tall is Highland Lakes Dam?
Highland Lakes Dam has a dam height of 22 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.
When was Highland Lakes Dam last inspected?
Highland Lakes Dam was last inspected on November 17, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.